Variable width watercraft hull for trailer transport

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a variable width watercraft hull that includes a hull body, a first side panel movably mated to the hull body and a second side panel movably mated to the hull body in which the first side panel and the second side panel are able to change position in relation to the hull body between an extended position and a retracted position and in which changing position of the first side panel and the second side panel results in a change in the width of the watercraft hull. The hull side panels change position by rotating about a longitudinal axis. The hull can be implemented as a displacement type, a planning type, or a hybrid of the two.

RELATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

This application relates to and takes priority from a provisionalapplication entitled “Convertible Width Boat Hull”, which was filed Dec.16, 2004 and was assigned U.S. Ser. No. 60/636,507.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern waterborne occupational endeavors and recreation depend a greatdeal on small, trailer-transported, boats. Trailer-transporting freshwater vessels saves the average boat owner mooring fees and offers theversatility of being able to choose different land-locked lakes,reservoirs, and rivers for launching. Small ocean-going vessels can alsosave mooring costs by being trailered to a launch site when needed.Savings can also be realized in maintenance costs of small ocean-goingboats because hauling out by trailer makes easier the job of removingsome of the parasitic organisms found in salt water and in washing downmetal boats that are prone to salt water corrosion.

Trailer transport of small boats, though, is limited by the need totravel public highways with the trailer-mounted boat. Every state haslaws regarding the maximum width that normally can be transported by ahighway vehicle. While there are special processes and permits thatallow special travel with over-wide vehicles, the expense andinconvenience of getting the permits and providng the flags, pilot cars,flashing lights, etc. makes trailing over-wide boats an uncommonoccurrence and negates the savings of avoiding moorage charges.

Trailed-vehicle width limits, therefore, are a limiting factor in thedesign of boats intended for regular trailer transport. The science ofboat design drives the length-to-beam ratios of boats for reasons ofstability, speed, internal volume and ride quality. By being limited tothe legally mandated eight or eight and a half feet width of moststates, the maximum size of a trailer-transported boat is fixed unlesssome means is taken to make a wide boat on the water become a narrowboat on land.

One way this has been done in the past is to use a multi-hull, such as acatamaran or trimaran, in which the outer hulls are moved outboard forthe water and inboard for on-highway transport. Multi-hull craft,however, have limited internal volume for a given length, and thereforeutility, and they are notoriously ill-adapted to extreme weather, eitheron the ocean or on large lakes.

What is needed then, is a hull for watercraft that is adaptable forlegal trailer transport and yet provides the seaworthiness and utilityof a relatively large mono-hulled vessel. The hull should provide itsadaptability without inconvenience that would negate the advantages ofbeing able to easily haul out and transport the boat by trailer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, a watercraft hull is presented that is adaptable to legaltrailer transporting and yet provides the seaworthiness and utility of arelatively large mono-hull. The hull presented provides its adaptabilitywithout the inconvenience that would otherwise negate the advantages ofbeing able to easily haul out and transport the boat by trailer.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to a variable widthwatercraft hull that includes a hull body, a first side panel movablymated to the hull body and a second side panel movably mated to the hullbody in which the first side panel and the second side panel are able tochange position in relation to the hull body between an extendedposition and a retracted position and in which changing position of thefirst side panel and the second side panel results in a change in thewidth of the watercraft hull. The hull side panels change position byrotating about a longitudinal axis. The hull can be implemented as adisplacement type, a planning type, or a hybrid of the two.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention willbecome obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art after having readthe following detailed description of the preferred embodiments that areillustrated in the various drawing figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The operation and components of this invention can be best visualized byreference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 illustrates a variable width hull in a wide configuration inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a variable width hull in a narrow configuration inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3A illustrates a variable width hull mounted on a trailer in a wideconfiguration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3B illustrates rotation of a side panel on a variable width hullmounted on a trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3C illustrates rotation of a side panel on a variable width hullmounted on a trailer in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 illustrates a variable width hull mounted on a trailer in anarrow configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a section of a retractable side panel of a variablewidth hull in a retracted configuration in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a section of a retractable side panel of a variablewidth hull in an extended configuration in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for changing the width of a watercraft hullin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the preferred embodiments of theinvention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with thepreferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intendedto limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, theinvention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications andequivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in thefollowing detailed description of the present invention, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the present invention. However, it will be obvious toone of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may bepracticed without these specific details. In other instances, well-knownmethods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail soas not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. Attimes, concepts disclosed in this discussion of embodiments of thepresent invention will be made more readily apparent be reference to theFigures.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a water-going hull that isenabled to change configuration from a wide configuration to a narrow,trailer-transportable, configuration. Embodiments of the presentinvention are able to change configuration by rotating a portion of oneor both sides of the hull between an extended position and a retractedposition. In one embodiment, the hull portions can be locked in eitherposition to provide a seaworthy and structurally sound hull.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the present invention in which bothleft and right movable sides are in an extended position. Hull 100 has abottom 105, a bow 103, a stern 104, a left movable side panel, or portgunwale, 101, and a right movable side panel, or starboard gunwale, 102.It is noted here that the term “gunwale” is an historical term used toindicate that structural portion of a boat hull above the deck. It isalso noted that the gunwale's name and usefulness originated in theearly days of naval artillery when wooden ships needed the addedstrength a gunwale provided to resist the damage incurred by recoilingcannon. Embodiments of the present invention also employ the gunwale forstructural soundness. The terms “gunwale”, “side portion” and sidepanel” are used throughout this description more or lessinterchangeably.

In the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIG. 1, eachgunwale, or side panel, is enabled to rotate about a longitudinal axis.In the extended position shown in FIG. 1, right movable side panel 102is in the fully extended position, achieving a wide configuration forthe hull. Left movable side panel 101 is also shown in the fullyextended position. In one embodiment, the extended side panels arelatched in place by an automatic latching mechanism. In anotherembodiment, the side panels are held in position by a manual latch. inyet another embodiment, the side panels remain in place withoutlatching.

In FIG. 1, the side panels, or gunwales, are shown as rectangular boxbeams. In another embodiment, the gunwales are configured in a differentstructural shape. In the embodiment of the present invention shown, therectangular box beams are welded from steel or aluminum. In analternative embodiment, the gunwales are constructed offiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP). In another embodiment, the gunwalesare constructed of wood. It is noted that embodiments of the presentinvention are amenable to being constructed of any material suitable toboat building.

When, in the embodiment shown, the movable side panels are extended,they are sealed for watertightness by engaging a sealing mechanism. InFIG. 1, a sealing mechanism is not shown but exists at the interfacebetween the deck 105 and port gunwale 101. In another embodiment,sealing mechanisms are provided for both the extended and retractedpositions for each gunwale.

In an embodiment of the present invention in which a sealing mechanismis implemented for a retracted gunwale, the hull 100 is enabled forwater travel in a narrow configuration. A narrow configuration is morecapable of safe navigation in some situations, such as navigating anarrow channel between other craft. It is also noted that, in the properconditions, navigating in a narrow configuration affords more economicalfuel usage. It is further noted that embodiments of the presentinvention can provide the more comfortable ride afforded by narrowerboats in rough water.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the variable width watercraft hullin a narrow configuration. Here, the hull 100 is shown mounted on atrailer 201 for transport on a roadway. It is noted here that thisdescription does not define a boat or watercraft trailer, nor is itmeant to imply that embodiments of the present invention are onlyintended for trailer transport. As noted above, embodiments are enabledfor water navigation in both extended and retracted configurations.Another embodiment of the present invention can be transported on apublic roadway on a vehicle which is not a trailer, but is a single unittransport truck. Again, embodiments of the present invention are notintended to be limited to specific types of on-highway vehicles.

In FIG. 2, hull 100 is shown with movable left side panel 101 andmovable right side panel 102 in the retracted position. While in theextended configuration, hull 100 has an overall beam of greater than thelegal maximum for highway travel. However, in the retractedconfiguration illustrated in FIG. 2, hull 100 has an overall width equalto or less than the legal maximum for highway travel. It is noted thatdifferent states have different maximum widths for trailer loads. InCalifornia, for example, the maximum width for trailer towing without aspecial permit is 102 inches, or eight and a half feet. In a few otherstates, such as West Virginia, for example, the maximum width is 96inches or eight feet. In either case, in the embodiments shown in FIGS.1 and 2, hull 100 is wider than the legal towing width when in the wideconfiguration as shown in FIG. 1 and its width is equal to or narrowerthan the legal towing maximum when in the retracted configuration asshown in FIG. 2.

It is noted here that vehicles wider than the legal maximum can beoperated on public highways. However, special permits are required and,if the vehicle is large enough, lead and follow safety vehicles, andother safety features, can be required for on-highway transport.Embodiments of the present invention are intended to be transportableover public highways without requiring any special permits or otherspecial efforts beyond those normally required for legal traileroperation.

As discussed above, one embodiment of the present invention implements asealing mechanism implemented in the narrow configuration. Thisimplementation of this embodiment enables a hull to be navigated onwater with the movable side panels, or gunwales, of the hull are in aretracted position. This embodiment can be navigated through narrowchannels between obstacles. Another embodiment can achieve lower fuelcost while navigating in the narrow configuration. It is noted againthat a narrow hull has less drag in water and can provide a morecomfortable ride in rough water than a relatively wider equivalent hull.

Referring still to FIG. 2, movable right side panel 102, shown in theretracted position, is moved by rotating about axis 205. Axis 205, inthis embodiment, is oriented longitudinally with the hull body 105. Inone embodiment, axis 205 is oriented parallel to a sealing edge of rightmovable side panel 102 and is located so that the rotation of the sidepanel moves the bulk of the panel inboard when being retracted andoutboard when being extended. By rotating about an axis with theorientation and location of axis 205, the movable side panel is able to,in this embodiment, fully engage a sealing mechanism in the extendedposition and, when rotated inboard, fully engage another sealingmechanism. In this manner, seaworthiness and structural soundness areachieved in both the extended and retracted positions.

FIG. 3A illustrates an embodiment of the present invention as viewedfrom the direction of the bow 103 while mounted on a trailer or otherhighway vehicle. Here, a watercraft hull 300 is situated on trailer 201.The watercraft hull is fitted with a typical superstructure 301 which isshown solely for the purpose of illustration. Embodiments of the presentinvention are enabled to be implemented on any type of watercraft.

Watercraft hull 300 is shown in FIG. 3A with left movable side panel 101and right movable side panel 102 in their respective extended positions.This configuration causes watercraft hull 300 to have a total width 303that is wider than allowed for legal transport on public roadways.However, the wide configuration shown is, as noted above, more stablefor navigation in water and provides more internal volume to the hull.

FIG. 3B illustrates rotation of the left movable side panel on thevariable width hull, shown in FIG. 3A mounted on a trailer in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention. Left movable side panel101, in this embodiment, rotates about axis 304. Rotation of the movableside panels, illustrated by arrow 305, is accomplished in one embodimentby a motorized rotation mechanism. In another embodiment, rotation isaccomplished by a manual mechanism. In FIG. 3B, left movable side panel101 is shown having rotated about axis 304 approximately 60 degrees.

FIG. 3C also illustrates rotation of the left movable side panel on thevariable width hull, as shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, mounted on a trailerin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Left movableside panel 101, in this illustration, has rotated about axis 304approximately 120 degrees. Additionally, FIG. 3C illustrates axis 306which is the axis about which right movable side panel 102 rotatesbetween its extended and retracted positions.

It is noted that the watercraft illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 4 isshown with vertical sides. Embodiments of the present invention areenabled to be implemented in a wide variety of hull configurations,including spray deflecting flared gunwales, weather resistant wineglasshulls and many other types. Embodiments of the present invention are notlimited to any particular hull design or configuration. However, theillustrations in this description of embodiments of the presentinvention are shown as being vertical for clarity in illustration.

FIG. 4 also illustrates an embodiment of the present invention as viewedfrom the bow while mounted on a trailer or other highway vehicle. Here,again, a watercraft hull 300 is situated on trailer 201 as shown fromthe direction of the bow 103. In FIG. 4, however, left movable sidepanel 101 and right movable side panel 102 of watercraft hull 300 areshown in their respective retracted positions. This configurationresults in a narrow configuration for watercraft hull 300. The narrowconfiguration shown achieves a total width 403 that is less than orequal to the legal maximum width for legal transport over publichighways. It is noted again that the legal maximum for normal transportof vehicles over public highways in most states is eight and one halffeet.

FIG. 5 illustrates a detail of a watercraft hull with a movable sidepanel in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Here,the left rear corner of a watercraft hull is shown, as viewed from theleft front. Hull detail 500 is shown with hull body 105, which includesthe deck 508 and the wettable bottom surface 509, as well as the rearend of left movable side panel 101.

It is noted here that details such as detail 500 shown in FIG. 5 areintended to illustrate concepts presented in embodiments of the presentinvention. Detail 500 and other details shown are not intended to implythat embodiments of the present invention are limited to any particularmethod of construction or hull configuration. For example, watercrafthulls in which embodiments of the present invention are implemented canbe displacement type hulls or planning type hulls or hybrid combinationsor the two. Additionally, embodiments of the present invention can beimplemented in multi-hull vessels as well as mono-hulls.

Referring still to FIG. 5, left movable side panel 101 is shown in aretracted position in relation to hull body 105. In the embodimentshown, left movable side panel 101 achieves the retracted position byrotating on an axis 511 formed by a shaft 501. Not shown is a latchingmechanism that holds left movable side panel in the retracted position.Sealing mechanism 505 is shown in FIG. 5. Sealing mechanism 505 achievesa watertight seal between bottom portion 105 and left movable sideportion 101. In one embodiment, a similar sealing mechanism achieves awatertight seal when left movable side panel 101 is in the retractedposition shown in FIG. 5.

Another feature shown in FIG. 5 is latching mechanism 502. Oneembodiment of the present invention employs a latching mechanism such asshown at 502 to ensure full engagement with a sealing mechanism such asshown at 505. In the embodiment shown, latching mechanism 502 is anover-center hook-type latch that is manually actuated, needing manualrelease when unlatched and manual engagement when latched. Anotherembodiment uses an automatic latch that requires no direct operatoraction. An over-center latch, as in the present embodiment, providessecurity in that it is unlikely to become unlatched by accident or byoperationally induced stresses. In another embodiment, another type oflatch is implemented.

Referring still to FIG. 5, when changing position, left movable sidepanel 101 rotates about a longitudinal axis 511. As noted above,longitudinal axis 511 is formed by shaft 501 in this embodiment. Arrow512 is shown to illustrate clearly how left movable side panel 101 movesto leave the retracted position shown to assume an extended position.

Returning to FIG. 5, sealing mechanism 505 is shown nestled in a groovein bottom portion 105. In this embodiment of the present invention, thesealing groove shown is used to augment structural soundness when leftside movable portion 101 is deployed to the extended position. When inthe extended position, left movable side panel 101, in this embodiment,wedges into the sealing groove and, when latched, makes for a relativelyrigid joint between bottom portion 105 and side panel 101, enhancing theseaworthiness of the vessel in this embodiment of the present invention.

Sealing mechanism 505, in this embodiment of the present invention, isan elastomeric strip running the length of the opening in hull body 105that is occupied by left movable side panel 101. When left movable sidepanel 101 is in the extended position, an extension on the matingsurface of movable side panel 101 engages and slightly compressessealing mechanism 505, forming a watertight seal. The extension of themating surface of movable side panel 101 also acts to form the tonguehalf of a tongue-and-groove joint that provides rigidity to the movableside panel. The rigidity thus attained provides a structurally robusthull that is able to handle the rigors of ocean weather. In anotherembodiment, the sealing mechanism 505 is formed by a pneumaticallyinflatable tube that inflates when the movable side panel is fullyengaged in the extended position. In this fashion, engaging the latchingmechanisms that hold movable side panel 101 in place require noexcessive force to compress the seal.

The embodiment of the present invention illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6 isequipped with a sealing mechanism for watertightness. It is noted,however, that a sealing mechanism is not a requirement of anotherembodiment in which no sealing mechanism is used. In such an embodiment,seaworthiness is maintained without a sealing mechanism. The presence orlack of a sealing mechanism is not intended to limit embodiments of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates hull detail 500 with left movable side panel 101 inthe extended position. Here, again, a detail of hull body 105 is shownwhich includes wetted surface 509 and deck 508. In this embodiment, leftmovable side panel 101 is shown with sealing mechanism 505 fullyengaged. Latching mechanism 502 is also shown fully engaged. Shown butnot engaged is latching mechanism 601. Latching mechanism 601, in thisembodiment, is used to keep left movable side panel 101 in the retractedposition illustrated in FIG. 5 above. In another embodiment, leftmovable side panel 101 is not latched in place but is held by themechanism used to effect its rotation between the extended and retractedpositions.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the side panels of thevariable width hull are moved between the extended and retractedpositions by a motorized mechanism. In another embodiment, the movement,rotation about a longitudinal axis, is effected by manually moving theside panels. In any case, moving the movable side panels between theextended and retracted positions results in a change in the width, orbeam, of the watercraft hull. The change in width, in this embodiment ofthe present invention, is intended to accommodate legal transport of awatercraft hull over public roadways without requiring speciallypermitted transport. In another embodiment, however, the ability tochange width enables maneuvering of the watercraft in a narrow channel.In yet another embodiment, the narrower hull width enables a morecomfortable ride in rough water and also affords more economical fueluse and an attendant longer range.

FIG. 7 illustrates a method for changing the width, or beam, of awatercraft hull in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. The process of changing width 700 begins with unlatching amovable side panel of the watercraft hull from its existing position701. In one embodiment, unlatching is accomplished by an automatedmechanism. In another embodiment, unlatching is accomplished manually.In yet another embodiment, unlatching is accomplished by the initialmovement of the movable side panel of the hull from its existingposition.

Process 700 continues by changing position of the movable side panelbetween the existing position and the new position, 702. If the sidepanel exists in a retracted position, such as for trailer transport to alaunch site, then its new position is the extended position. If theexisting position is the extended position, such as when waterborne,then the new position is the retracted position.

In one implementation of this embodiment of the present invention, thechange in position of the movable side panel is accomplished by manuallyrotating the side panel about its longitudinal axis. In anotherembodiment, the movement is accomplished by a motorized mechanismrotating the side panel about the longitudinal axis. In either case,moving the side panel from one position to the other results in a changeof width, or beam, of the watercraft hull.

Referring still to FIG. 7, process 700 continues with the securing ofthe movable side panel in its new position 703. In an embodimentimplemented with manual latching mechanisms, securing the side panelincludes manually engaging the latching mechanism. In anotherembodiment, securing the side panel includes actuating an automaticlatching mechanism. In yet another embodiment, securing the side panelincludes allowing the motorized mechanism to hold the side panel inplace.

Once the moveable side panel is secured in its new position, thewatercraft is free to navigate on the water or to be transported overthe public roadway. If the new position of the side panel is theextended position, the watercraft can navigate with the stability andinternal volume that the wider beam affords. If the new position is theretracted position, the watercraft can either navigate in the narrowconfiguration thus achieved for reasons of tight maneuvering, comfort,or fuel economy, or it can be transported over the public highwayswithout requiring specially permitted transport.

Embodiments of an invention presented in this description relate to avariable width watercraft hull that includes a hull body, a first sidepanel movably mated to the hull body and a second side panel movablymated to the hull body in which the first side panel and the second sidepanel are able to change position in relation to the hull body betweenan extended position and a retracted position and in which changingposition of the first side panel and the second side panel results in achange in the width of the watercraft hull. The hull side panels changeposition by rotating about a longitudinal axis. The hull can beimplemented as a displacement type, a planning type, or a hybrid of thetwo.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the presentinvention have been presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously manymodifications and variations are possible in light of the aboveteaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application,to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize theinvention and various embodiments with various modifications as aresuited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scopeof the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and theirequivalents.

1. A variable width watercraft hull, comprising: a hull body; a firstside panel movably mated to said hull body; and a second side panelmovably mated to said hull body wherein said first side panel and saidsecond side panel are enabled to change position in relation to saidhull body between an extended position and a retracted position andwherein changing position of said first side panel and said second sidepanel results in a change in the width of said watercraft hull.
 2. Thevariable width watercraft hull described in claim 1 wherein said hullbody comprises; a keel; a wettable bottom surface fixedly attached tosaid keel; a stern section fixedly attached to said keel; and a bowsection fixedly attached to said keel.
 3. The variable width watercrafthull described in claim 1 wherein said first side panel comprises a leftside gunwale.
 4. The variable width watercraft hull described in claim 1wherein said second side panel comprises a right side gunwale.
 5. Thevariable width watercraft hull described in claim 1 wherein said firstand second side panels are enabled to change position by rotating aboutan axis oriented longitudinally to said watercraft hull.
 6. The variablewidth watercraft hull described in claim 5 wherein said rotating aboutan axis results in a change of position from said extended position tosaid retracted position.
 7. The variable width watercraft hull describedin claim 5 wherein said watercraft hull is made seaworthy with saidfirst side panel in said extended position by a sealing deviceinterposed between said hull body and said first side panel.
 8. Thevariable width watercraft hull described in claim 5 wherein saidwatercraft hull is made seaworthy with said second side panel in saidextended position by a sealing device interposed between said hull bodyand said first side panel.
 9. The variable width watercraft hulldescribed in claim 5 wherein said watercraft hull is made seaworthy withsaid first side panel in said retracted position by a sealing deviceinterposed between said hull body and said first side panel.
 10. Thevariable width watercraft hull described in claim 5 wherein saidwatercraft hull is made seaworthy with said second side panel in saidretracted position by a sealing device interposed between said hull bodyand said first side panel.
 11. The variable width watercraft hulldescribed in claim 1 wherein said watercraft hull is enabled to belegally trailer-transported on-highway when said side panel is in saidretracted position.
 12. A water-going vessel, comprising a wettablehull, wherein said wettable hull is enabled to change width.
 13. Thewater-going vessel described in claim 12, wherein said wettable hullcomprises a movable side panel enabled to occupy a retracted positionand an extended position.
 14. The water-going vessel described in claim13, wherein said vessel has a width of greater than eight and one halffeet when said movable side panel occupies said extended position. 15.The water-going vessel described in claim 13, wherein said vessel has awidth equal to or less than eight and one half feet when said movableside panel occupies said retracted position.
 16. The water-going vesseldescribed in claim 13, wherein said vessel has a width enabling highwaytransport without a special highway permit when said movable side paneloccupies said retracted position.
 17. A method for changing the width ofa watercraft hull, comprising: freeing a movable side panel of saidwatercraft hull from an extended position; changing position of saidside panel of said watercraft hull from said extended position to aretracted position; and securing said side panel of said watercraft hullin said retracted position, said retracted position resulting in achanged width of said hull.
 18. The method described in claim 17,wherein said freeing a movable side panel of said watercraft hull froman extended position is accomplished by disengaging a latch enabled tosecure said movable side panel in said extended position.
 19. The methoddescribed in claim 17, wherein said changing position of a movable sidepanel comprises rotating said movable side panel about an axis orientedlongitudinally to said watercraft hull.
 20. The method described inclaim 17, wherein said securing said movable side panel of saidwatercraft hull in said retracted position comprises engaging a latchenabled to secure said movable side panel in said retracted position.21. The method described in claim 17, further comprising sealing saidmovable side panel in said retracted position to form a watertight sealbetween said movable side panel and said watercraft hull.
 22. The methoddescribed in claim 17, wherein said changed width enables transportingsaid hull over a public highway without special permit.